Pre-departure Resources

Preparing to study abroad requires time, planning, and organizational skills. Once you have been selected to study abroad by International Programs, there are still more steps to take. In addition to the information below, there will be specific tasks and information related to your study abroad program.

MyStudyAbroad Account

After you are selected by International Programs, you will gain access to an online study abroad pre-departure portal called MyStudyAbroad. Through MyStudyAbroad, you will confirm your participation, review the study abroad and program handbooks, view program dates, submit course equivalency requests, among other features. Pay close attention to due dates and tasks to ensure you complete requirements on time.

Study Abroad Handbook

The Study Abroad Handbook includes important information on study abroad policies for all students studying abroad through International Programs. Selected study abroad students will be able to access the handbook through their MyStudyAbroad account. Important information and recommendations are included for planning and logistics, health and safety, academics, financial matters, cultural adjustment and more. All selected students should read the handbook thoroughly.

On-Campus Resources

Resources about studying abroad (destinations, cross-cultural communication, program brochures, etc) are available on campus. International Programs has compiled a reference list to help you identify some of these available resources. This list is not exhaustive; use it as a starting point for your own study abroad research!

International Perspectives

All students studying abroad with International Programs are required to take a one credit pre-departure course called International Perspectives (INTL BUS 365). Admitted study abroad students will receive information about enrolling for the course after they have been selected for a program.

Summer & Fall Study Abroad Participants

Students studying abroad summer and fall complete the course in the spring semester preceding their term abroad. The course takes place Tuesdays in the latter half of the spring semester, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Study abroad participants who will be enrolled in 18 credits during the spring semester should contact International Programs.

Spring 2017 Study Abroad Participants

Students studying abroad spring 2017 will receive more information about the course, which is scheduled to be held Tuesdays 11/1, 11/8, 11/15, 11/29, 12/6 and 12/13/2016 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Study abroad participants who will be enrolled in 18 credits during the fall semester should contact International Programs.

If you will be bringing medication or prescriptions, it can be helpful to pack your them in your carry-on luggage. If possible, take enough with you for the entire time abroad, and leave them in their original containers. Take a written prescription or information about your dosage with you in case you need refills abroad. Since you may not be able to obtain specific medications abroad, take with you all over-the-counter and prescription medications you use regularly or might need at your site. If it is helpful, International Programs is able to provide a letter to your doctor and/or insurance company explaining that you will be studying overseas for an extended period.

The University of Texas at Austin has produced a helpful video, Culture of Safety: A Practical Guide to Studying Abroad, that covers a few simple steps you can take to have a safe and healthy study abroad experience. The video focuses on four key areas: cultural differences, situational and locational awareness, the value of local knowledge, and using good judgment with alcohol.

Insurance Information

The University of Wisconsin System requires all students who study abroad to purchase mandatory international and emergency medical insurance. More information on this mandatory plan offered by Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI) and the latest brochure are available on the Risk Management Study Abroad web page. Admitted study abroad students will receive an invoice from International Programs.

International students: You may file to waive the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) for the time you are abroad. Contact SHIP for more information. Waiver requests must be submitted before you study abroad.

Information from the U.S. State Department

Visit the State Department’s Students Abroad website. Read the consular information sheet for the country you are visiting. All study abroad students must register with the State Department in case of a local emergency.

Course Equivalencies

When you register for courses abroad depends on the program. You may register for specific classes before or after you arrive abroad. In both cases, flexibility and preparation are important.

Once the host university announces its timetable, reference the course equivalency lists available on the Academics tab of the program pages to determine for which course the foreign course counts for at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Also be aware that credit values may be different abroad, and students should check the grade and credit conversion tables found in the program-specific handbooks (available in MyStudyAbroad) to see how credit values may vary from the host institution to UW-Madison.

We highly recommend you check your DARS Report and make a one-on-one advising appointment for a discussion of your courses. Students can utilize the Study Abroad Course Planner to prepare for their academic advising appointment.

Please note that these are business study abroad programs and we require that all students on a semester exchange take at least six (6) credits of business classes.

Travel

Students are responsible for arranging travel to and from their host country. It is important to verify dates carefully. Many past participants recommend working with a travel agent, such as STA Travel or Student Universe, to look at options for buying tickets that are refundable or that have flexible return dates. Another travel resource is Badger Student Travel.